Sport: Fiji avoid relegation from World Rugby Under 20 Champs

Fiji have retained their place in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship after thrashing Scotland 59-34 in the play-off for 11th place.

The Baby Flying Fijians led 38-15 at half-time and outscored the Scots eight tries to three in Rosario, with fullback Osea Waqa scoring one in each half, to secure their first win of the tournament.

Fiji full-back Osea Waqa dives to score his second try in their 11th place semi-final with Scotland. Photo: Franco Perego/World Rugby

The Keli Leawere coached side had finished bottom of their pool, following defeats by eventual winners France, hosts Argentina and Wales, before being pipped 12-8 by Georgia in the ninth-place semi-finals to send them into a relegation play-off.

Fiji were competing in the top tier of junior rugby for the first time since 2014 and will now be able to begin planning for a return visit.

Meanwhile, France retained their title with a 24-23 victory over Australia in the final.

Fiji celebrate beating Scotland to retain their place in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship. Photo: Franco Perego/World Rugby.